ConocoPhillips' New Strategy Is Turning Heads

ConocoPhillips(NYSE:COP) is a lot like that guy or girl you hardly recognized at your high school reunion. Over the past 18 months, it's gone from a sluggish integrated major with what seemed to be uncoordinated assets around the world to a sleek, pure E&P company with a big focus on U.S. shale plays. In several ways, this transition is starting to pay off.

This past quarter, we saw two prime examples of this fundamental shift in strategy. Unlike its former peers in the integrated major space, ConocoPhillips didn't get stung quite as much by the decline in foreign oil prices. Also, its primary shale assets are in oil-heavy regions, which is something that can't be said for the company it once kept. Tune in to the following video, where fool.com contributor Tyler Crowe looks at how ConocoPhillips has made this transition and how that will translate to better earnings down the road.